Fluid switch

ABSTRACT

A fluid switch in which a fluid stream traversing an inlet and a first outlet is deflected by a vane, which pivots in response to impingement of an externally generated fluid flow, to switch the fluid stream to a second outlet. Upon cessation of the externally generated fluid, the fluid stream automatically returns the vane to its initial state, enabling the fluid stream to reenter the first outlet.

United States Patent 3.187.762 6/1965 Norwood .1 137/815 3.318.329 5/1967 Norwood 235/201 X 3.437,]02 4/1969 Hamilton 137/83 3,489,343 1/1970 De Bruyne. 235/201 3,472,317 10/1969 Fowler .6 137/612 X Primary Examiner-M. Cary Nelson Assistant Examiner-Michael O. Sturm Anorney- Brufsky, Staas, Breiner & Halsey ABSTRACT: A fluid switch in which a fluid stream traversing an inlet and a first outlet is deflected by a vane, which pivots in response to impingement of an externally generated fluid flow, to switch the fluid stream to a second outlet. Upon cessation of the externally generated fluid, the fluid stream automatically returns the vane to its initial state, enabling the fluid stream to reenter the first outlet.

FLUID SWITCH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a fluid switch, and more particularly, to a novel fluid switch which has the capabilities of directing a fluid stream to one of two outlets, by blowing on the switch housing.

This switch is used as a control device for stopping and starting machinery, where the operator must continuously feed materials to the machine by hand during its operating cycle.

For example, in the garment industry, stitching operations are performed on trouser legs by a side seamer. The machine operator guides thetextile materials to be stitched wit his hands while operating a vertically reciprocal stitching mechanism with hisfeet by means of an electrical foot pedal. In lieu-of a foot pedal, the switch of the resent invention can have its first outlet connected to a bellows-type microswitch. When the fluid stream to the first outlet is interrupted and directed to a second outlet by blowing on the switch, the bellows collapses, causing electrical contacts in the microswitch to touch. This establishes an electric circuit to engage a clutch. Engagement of the clutch transmits power from the drive and establishes reciprocation of the stitching mechanism. When the operator ceases to blow on the switch, the fluid switch reenters the first outlet, which allows the bellows to expand, breaking the circuit and disengaging the clutch. The drive to the stitching mechanism is rendered inactive once again. In this manner,.the side seam in a pair of trousers can be stitched in approximately 30 seconds by the on-and-off periodic blowing on the switch.

Another use of the fluid switch of this inventionis in connection with the tacking of pockets to trousers by means of a tacker. In a tacker, a pawl is disengaged to release a onerevolution cam. The cam engages the drive of a reciprocal stitching mechanism for a limited time until the pawl is reseated. The pawl can be disengaged by a solenoid which is actuated by the bellows-type microswitch. Upon interruption of the fluid stream to the microswitch, by blowing on the fluid switch, the bellows will collapse, activating an electric circuit including the solenoid connected to the pawl. The solenoid will disengage the pawl, allowing rotation of the cam and activation of the drive. The operator has already positioned the pocket under a clamp which is guided by the cam. He may now reach for the next garment and be ready to place it under the clamp.

While these applications of the fluid switch are indicative of its wide utility, the invention resides in the fluid switch structure, per se.

Fluid switches are known which direct a fluid stream to on ofa plurality of outlets. US. Pat. No. 3,319,656, for example, discloses a fluid switch in which a pivotal blade is selectively positioned in the path of a fluid stream to direct the stream towards a selected outlet. The blade is oscillated by separate fluid pulses impinging on opposite surfaces ofa vane, attached by a shaft to the blade. The deflecting blade does not return to its initial state by itself, but must be rocked by fluid pulse impinging on the vane in a direction opposite to the initial setting pulse.

While fluid switches are known in the prior art, none are known which are activated by blowing on the switch, and upon the cessation of impinging fluid thereon, the switch will be caused to automatically return to its initial state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The fluid switch structure of this invention includes a housing provided with a normally uninterrupted fluid path from a first fluid inlet to a first fluid outlet. The pivotal deflecting vane in the housing is adapted to be positioned to intersect the fluid path and deflect a fluid stream in the path from the first fluid outlet to a second fluid outlet in response to an externally generated fluid. Upon cessation of impingement of the externally generated fluid on the vane, the fluid stream in the fluid path automatically returns the vane to a normal state out of the intersection with the fluid path, enabling the fluid stream to reenter the first fluid outlet. The externally generated fluid is preferably provided by blowing on the housing.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description and claims, and the accompanying drawing, wherein: I

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIG. I is an exploded-perspective view ofthe fluid switch of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view in elevation, partially broken away, of the fluid switch shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid switch shown in FIG. 2, taken along the plane indicated by line 3-3 of FIG. 2, and illustrating the normal state of operation of the switch;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating the fluid switch in its switching state of operation;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid switch as seen from the plane indicated byline 5-5 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view ofa fluid-deflecting vane comprising a component of the fluid switch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referriing now to the drawing in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, FIG. I illustrates a fluid switch 2, including a fluid housing 4, a mouthpiece 6 adapted to close one end of housing 4, and a cap 8, adapted to close the opposite end of housing 4. As indicated in FIG. 1, mouthpiece 6 fits snugly onto a generally cylindrical surface 10 on the front of housing 4, and cap 8 fits snugly on a second, generally cylindrical surface 12 on the rear of housing 4. When the mouthpiece 6 and cap 8 are press-fitted onto housing 4, the resulting structure is relative fluidtight at the various interfaces between the components. The housing 4, the mouthpiece 6, and the cap 8 may be formed from any relatively undeformable and fluid impervious material, such as metal or plastic.

The mouthpiece 6 includes a series of fluid-receiving orifices or inlets 7 in any desired pattern or design t permit a fluid flow from an external source to penetrate into the interior of the fluid switch 2. The cap 8 also includes fluid orifices or outlets 9 which allow fluid to be expelled from the fluid switch 2.

The fluid housing 4 includes a fluid inlet 20 and a fluid outlet 22. Housing 4 includes a curved slot 26 having one end in communication with fluid inlet 20. The other end of slot 26 is in communication with a small diameter vertical bore 28. A second small-diameter bore 30, is formed within housing 4 and has its upper end in alignment with a bore 28 across a traverse slot 24 formed through the lateral width of housing 4. The lower end of bore 30 terminates in communication with fluid outlet 22.

When cap 8 is placed on housing 4, a fluid tight junction is formed at the interface between cap 8 and housing 4, so that slot 26 is entirely enclosed and relatively airtight. Fluid entering inlet 20 can then be conveyed through slot 26 into bore 28 where it forms a jet. The fluid jet issues from bore 28 across lateral slot 24 and enters bore 30 where it is normally eonveyed to fluid outlet 22. The direction of fluid flow within this fluid path is illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 2.

A fluid-deflecting vane 14 is pivotally positioned within the housing 4 on a hinge pin 16 which fits into grooves 18 formed in the housing 4. Vane l4 closes one end of traverse slot 24 and is immediately adjacent mouthpiece 6.

The deflecting vane 14 consists of a thin integral piece of metal wrapped around hinge pin 16 to form a flat tongue 20 and a curved, concave surface 23 which curves away from the tongue 20 and towards cap traverses The lower portion of curved surface 23 extends into traverse slot 24 a sufficient distance to intersect the an externally between bores 28 and 30.

In operation, a source of pressurized fluid is connected to fluid inlet 20. Fluid from this source normally travels from fluid inlet 20 through slot 26 and into bore 28. The fluid issues from bore 28 in a jet, traverses slot 24 and enters bore 30, where it is conveyed to fluid outlet 22. In the absence of an externally generated fluid applied through mouthpiece 6, as shown in FIGS. 3'and 5, the fluid jet existing from bore 28 is of sufflcient velocity so that when it impinges on curved surface 23 ofdeflector vane 14 intersecting the jet, the jet will force vane 14 to pivot towards mouthpiece 6, out of the jet fluid path, permitting the jet to reach bore 30. As described previously, the fluid outlet 22 can be connected to a bellows-type microswitch, which when expanded or collapsed will enable a machine drive to remain operational or at rest.

When the machine operator blows on mouthpiece 6, fluid is passed through the orifice, 7 in the mouthpiece and impinges on tongue 20 of deflector vane 14. The fluid pressure exerted on tongue 20 is sufflcient to overcome the fluid pressure exerted on the curved surface 23 by the jet between bores 28 and 30 and the deflector vane 14 is rotated about hinge 16 towards cap 8, as shown in FIG. 4, and in phantom lines in FIG. 5, to interrupt the jet. Curved surface 23 will deflect the jet traversely through housing 4 into slot 24, and the fluid will exit from switch 2 through orifices 9 in cap 8.

Upon cessation of fluid flow through outlet 22, the bellows in the bellows-type microswitch will collapse, thereby causing electrical contact to be made or broken to establish or break an electrical circuit which controls a drive mechanism. When the operator stops blowing on mouthpiece 6, the fluid pressure on the curved surface 23 of the deflector vane 14 caused by the jet stream existing from bore 28 is sufflcient to initiate counterrotation of deflector 14 about hinge 16 to force the curved surface 23. once again out of the jet path. This reestablishes a fluid path from fluid inlet 20 to fluid outlet 22 and permits the machine which switch 2 controls, to automatically resume operation or rest.

lclaim:

l. A fluid switch comprising:

a housing, said housing including a first fluid inlet means,

a first fluid outlet means normally in communication with said first fluid inlet means,

a second fluid outlet means,

a second fluid inlet means for receiving externally generated fluid flow, and

vane means having a surface pivotally connected to said housing adjacent said second fluid inlet means and first fluid outlet means by said externally generated fluid flow received through said second fluid inlet means to contact and deflect said fluid stream between said first fluid inlet means and said first fluid outlet means towards said second fluid outlet means, and upon cessation of said impinging fluid flow to be pivotally reestablishing communication between the first fluid inlet means and said first fluid outlet means.

2. A fluid switch in accordance with claim 1 wherein said surface on said vane is concavely cu'rved towards said second fluid outlet means.

3. A fluid switch comprising:

a housing, said housing including fluid inlet means,

a first fluid outlet means,

a first slot means defining a fluid conduit between said fluid inlet means and said first fluid outlet means;

a second slot means defining a fluid deflection chamber intersecting said fluid conduit defined by said first slot means;

a second fluid outlet means in communication with one end of said fluid deflection chamber, and

fluid deflection means, said fluid deflection means including a deflector vane having a surface being pivotally interposed at the intersection of said fluid conduit and said fluid deflection chamber in response to an externally generated fluid flow impinging thereon for interrupting a fluid stream in said fluid conduit and deflecting said fluid stream to said second fluid outlet means, and upon cessation of said impinging fluid flow, to be pivotally moved by said fluid stream in said fluid conduit to a normal state out of the intersection of said fluid conduit and said fluid deflection chamber, thereby enabling said fluid stream to flow through said fluid conduit to reach said first fluid outlet means.

4. A fluid switch in accordance with claim 3 wherein said deflector vane surface includes:

a curved, concave surface extending towards said second fluid outlet means.

5. A fluid switch in accordance with claim 4 including:

a second fluid inlet means for receiving externally generated fluid flow to impinge on said deflector vane.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 595 Dated July 27 1971 Clayton E. Conklin Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 16, "wit" should read with line 19, "resent" should read present line 59, after "by" insert a line 53, "on" should read one Column 2, line 43, "t" should read to line 73, "traverses" should read 8. Column 3, line 14, "orifice," should read orifices Column 4, line 2, after "means" insert being pivotally interposed in a fluid stream between said first fluid inlet means line 9, before "reestablishing" insert returned by said fluid stream in contact therewith to a normal state Signed and sealed this 30th day of May 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A fluid switch comprising: a housing, said housing including a first fluid inlet means, a first fluid outlet means normally in communication with said first fluid inlet means, a second fluid outlet means, a second fluid inlet means for receiving externally generated fluid flow, and vane means having a surface pivotally connected to said housing adjacent said second fluid inlet means and first fluid outlet means by said externally generated fluid flow received through said second fluid inlet means to contact and deflect said fluid stream between said first fluid inlet means and said first fluid outlet means towards said second fluid outlet means, and upon cessation of said impinging fluid flow to be pivotally reestablishing communication between the first fluid inlet means and said first fluid outlet mEans.
 2. A fluid switch in accordance with claim 1 wherein said surface on said vane is concavely curved towards said second fluid outlet means.
 3. A fluid switch comprising: a housing, said housing including fluid inlet means, a first fluid outlet means, a first slot means defining a fluid conduit between said fluid inlet means and said first fluid outlet means; a second slot means defining a fluid deflection chamber intersecting said fluid conduit defined by said first slot means; a second fluid outlet means in communication with one end of said fluid deflection chamber, and fluid deflection means, said fluid deflection means including a deflector vane having a surface being pivotally interposed at the intersection of said fluid conduit and said fluid deflection chamber in response to an externally generated fluid flow impinging thereon for interrupting a fluid stream in said fluid conduit and deflecting said fluid stream to said second fluid outlet means, and upon cessation of said impinging fluid flow, to be pivotally moved by said fluid stream in said fluid conduit to a normal state out of the intersection of said fluid conduit and said fluid deflection chamber, thereby enabling said fluid stream to flow through said fluid conduit to reach said first fluid outlet means.
 4. A fluid switch in accordance with claim 3 wherein said deflector vane surface includes: a curved, concave surface extending towards said second fluid outlet means.
 5. A fluid switch in accordance with claim 4 including: a second fluid inlet means for receiving externally generated fluid flow to impinge on said deflector vane. 